05 Oct 2015

Having caused a lot of stir on social media with some people calling for its boycott because it was being organised by a South African company, Botswana’s first Electronic Music Festival proved to be a success as most people hailed the way it was organised and the quality of performances by artistes that took to the stage.

It was a show to remember as the Cricket Club was packed to the rafters with people looking to celebrate Botswana’s 49 years of independence and setting the tone for next year’s celebrations of 50 years. 

From the onset one could tell the difference with events that have been hosted before compared to Botswana Electronic Music Festival (BEMF) by the quality of the sound, stage set-up and time management.

It was also evident that a lot of people were confused thinking the festival would be about electro music, but it was all about doing things electronic with the main concept being to stream the event live to other 5 fan parks across the country and also showing it on Botswana Television (BTV).

Black Motion, legendary man Osunlade, Dj Gouivea, Dj Kuchi, Groove Cartel, KO, Ryan Murgatroyd and Nonku, Okmalumkoolkat, Dean Fuel, Killer Robot and Sibot all brought their A game to the show and left people in awe. 

The event was top notch and one could feel the excitement in the air and with the show being in its infancy, expectations have been raised well above the bar and one cannot wait for next year.

One can only wish that next year more local artistes and promoters can be engaged significantly and learn what it takes to host and execute a show of this magnitude instead of always complaining about not being involved.

The growth of the industry depends on locals collaborating with other people who have the know how of hosting such events and one can only hope that they were taking stock.

On the eve of the show, Gaborone’s night sky was illuminated with fireworks at the National Stadium that have now become synonymous with kicking off independence celebrations.

With President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Kokorwe and Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeneg in attendance, people packed the National Stadium as it has become norm and enjoyed the day’s festivities.

It must be said that the country’s disciplined forces bands are loved among the masses and their parades were superb and President Khama even stood up to dance to the tunes of Botswana Police Services.

Botswana Electronic Music Festival was a raging success though, and one can only wish that the professionalism exhibited with the show can rub off on the local promoters as they look to host world class shows.

One can only look at the excitement and comments made by Batswana on twitter about BEMF and see what it as all bout. 

“In all honesty #BEMF was one best staged and more organized music festival ever. Sound quality and lightning plus great performances top notch,” says @Hypatee on twitter.

Other comments by @Luntha_N who says “ You guys really took event hosting in Botswana to the next level @BWEMF”.

@mooketsimoalusi said “ What a memorable experience. You guys blew my mind away with the fireworks. And my favorite act Killer Robot, by the what is his handle”. ENDS